One of my favorite pastors is Dr. James MacDonald who serves as pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel in Chicago, IL. Amanda and I have been there ourselves and really enjoyed our time in worship there. He has a daily radio, sermon ministry that I try to catch regularly and he is currently in a series on religion. His sermon Freedom From Religion has really hit me hard and I want to pass along a few of the questions he asks that really hit the mark.
What bothers you more, arriving at church with your hair out of place or with your heart out of place?
What bothers you more, no time with God this week or other people seeing your children misbehave?
What bothers you more, your need for more money or God's assessment of what your doing with the money you already have?
What is your greatest achievement? What are you most proud? Is it what you've accomplished or what you've become?
How would you answer these questions? What bothers you more?
James MacDonald - Freedom From Religion
For more:
Sermon - February 19, 2012 | Matthew 15:1-20 - Jesus Confronts Religion . . . Again
GBC - Driscoll on Consumers vs. Worshippers
Sermon - April 3, 2011 | Matthew 12:1-21 - The Burden of Religion and the Rest of the Gospel
Sermon - February 27, 2011 - Matthew 9:14-17
Sermon - August 29, 2010 - Matthew 7:15-12: Watch for False Gospels
Monday, April 30, 2012
Friday, April 27, 2012
Prayer Needs: April 27, 2012
It has been a busy week for us and our church family is in need of your prayers. Here is the latest Phonevite I just sent out regarding some of those needs.
1. Jonetta's daughter had surgery this morning and needs your ongoing prayer.
2. Martha in the CCU as far as I know.
3. Peewee is still in the hospital and is doing a little better.
4. Tom has 4 fractures in spine, 4 broken ribs, broken shoulder and hip, and bruised lungs. 5. Vera passed away and so keep her family in your prayers.
1. Jonetta's daughter had surgery this morning and needs your ongoing prayer.
2. Martha in the CCU as far as I know.
3. Peewee is still in the hospital and is doing a little better.
4. Tom has 4 fractures in spine, 4 broken ribs, broken shoulder and hip, and bruised lungs. 5. Vera passed away and so keep her family in your prayers.
Monday, April 23, 2012
The Washington Post on Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
For those who care, here is a Washington Post article on my ear condition. The main thing is for you to pray for me tomorrow morning as I have the procedure done to try to restore my hearing.
Medical Mysteries: Sudden hearing loss in one ear was no minor irritant
Here are some quotes:
Unlike conductive hearing loss, which affects the outer ear, sudden sensorineural hearing loss is an urgent medical problem that can range in severity from mild to profound. Curtis's was so severe it could have left him permanently and totally deaf in one ear. In most cases, including Curtis's, the cause is unknown; treatment with corticosteroids has demonstrated success in some patients. . . .
For reasons that are unclear, the window for effective treatment appears to be two to four weeks from the time a patient is aware of diminished hearing; after that, hearing loss can become permanent, writes Harvard professor of otolaryngology Steven D. Rauch in a 2008 article in the New England Journal of Medicine. Rauch reports that the malady affects men and women equally and typically occurs between the ages of 43 and 53.
Some patients, he writes, never seek treatment and recover spontaneously, usually within 14 days. Prognosis depends on the severity of the problem: Patients with mild hearing loss are most likely to make a full recovery without treatment, while those with profound hearing loss, such as Curtis, rarely show spontaneous improvement. Even with treatment, which typically involves a few weeks of oral corticosteroids such as prednisone, some patients never recover their hearing.
Proof that treatment works remains ambiguous. A 2006 Cochrane Review, updated last year, found that one small study demonstrated that prompt treatment with steroids was linked to a significant improvement in hearing -- 61 percent of patients compared with 32 percent who took a placebo -- while another study failed to demonstrate a benefit. Both studies, researchers said, contained too few patients upon which to draw a firm conclusion.
Even so, most doctors prescribe prednisone for the problem because the potential benefits outweigh the risks of the drug.
Medical Mysteries: Sudden hearing loss in one ear was no minor irritant
Here are some quotes:
Unlike conductive hearing loss, which affects the outer ear, sudden sensorineural hearing loss is an urgent medical problem that can range in severity from mild to profound. Curtis's was so severe it could have left him permanently and totally deaf in one ear. In most cases, including Curtis's, the cause is unknown; treatment with corticosteroids has demonstrated success in some patients. . . .
For reasons that are unclear, the window for effective treatment appears to be two to four weeks from the time a patient is aware of diminished hearing; after that, hearing loss can become permanent, writes Harvard professor of otolaryngology Steven D. Rauch in a 2008 article in the New England Journal of Medicine. Rauch reports that the malady affects men and women equally and typically occurs between the ages of 43 and 53.
Some patients, he writes, never seek treatment and recover spontaneously, usually within 14 days. Prognosis depends on the severity of the problem: Patients with mild hearing loss are most likely to make a full recovery without treatment, while those with profound hearing loss, such as Curtis, rarely show spontaneous improvement. Even with treatment, which typically involves a few weeks of oral corticosteroids such as prednisone, some patients never recover their hearing.
Proof that treatment works remains ambiguous. A 2006 Cochrane Review, updated last year, found that one small study demonstrated that prompt treatment with steroids was linked to a significant improvement in hearing -- 61 percent of patients compared with 32 percent who took a placebo -- while another study failed to demonstrate a benefit. Both studies, researchers said, contained too few patients upon which to draw a firm conclusion.
Even so, most doctors prescribe prednisone for the problem because the potential benefits outweigh the risks of the drug.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Trip Lee - "War"
I know this is a rap song, but I really like the lyrics. The song chronicles the Biblical theme of war between the seed of the serpent and the seed of the woman from Genesis 3:15. I especially encourage you to focus on the third verse.
This is war
Like you ain't seen
This winter's long
It's cold and mean
When life and death go to battle, ain't no tellin' what'll happen
When life and death go to battle, ain't no tellin' what'll happen
When life and death go to battle, ain't no tellin' what'll happen
It's war tonight, it's death and life
This the kind of war you ain't never seen ever
Soldiers gettin' ragged, homie, heads gettin' severed
Death toll's crazy like nothin' on record
Civilians ain't safe, man, the troops might get ya
Can't run or hide, 'cause them guys gon' catch ya
They never get tired, never let up
They're fired up, wired up, to put you on a stretcher
But is the good side tough enough? You bet yah
Yeah you got bad guys, you know they a problem
Tryna overthrow the King, yep that's what we call Him
No life fulla dark knights, no Gotham
This ain't fake death, no possum, can't anybody stop 'em?
Tombstones everywhere, dead bodies rottin'
Big glocks poppin', bodies still droppin'
But I ain't gon' cry though, 'cause Death'll get swallowed
The Father sent His Son and the troops gon' follow
This is war
Like you ain't seen
This winter's long
It's cold and mean
When life and death go to battle, ain't no tellin' what'll happen
When life and death go to battle, ain't no tellin' what'll happen
When life and death go to battle, ain't no tellin' what'll happen
It's war tonight, it's death and life
The Son came down to the wasteland we in
A death-filled mess, He'll win, no leavin'
No rest til Death's killed, the fight ain't even
And death won't be left still breathin' (get'm)
The Son's on the frontline crossin' their borders
Invadin' enemy land, but they can't thwart Him
A good troop will graze him, and they ain't even force him
But God use that sin to support Him
They capture the King, next thing they shots rang out
General is down, the troops are like "We out"
The life-giver dies, and the other side celebrates
But they ain't know that hell is fate, the devil faced
They never say, if he's the beast who's the featherweight
Just when they thought they took Him down, He would elevate
Death can never take pride in that blow
'Cause the King beat death when He died and He rose
This is war
Like you ain't seen
This winter's long
It's cold and mean
When life and death go to battle, ain't no tellin' what'll happen
When life and death go to battle, ain't no tellin' what'll happen
When life and death go to battle, ain't no tellin' what'll happen
It's war tonight, it's death and life
It really might seem like the war's still goin'
People still dyin', sin is still potent
The devil's still temptin', and evil ain't slowin'
Just wait until that trumpet gets blowin'
The general is comin' with keys in His hands
The death and Hades they'll freeze where they stand
To see they've been defeated, please understand
If they don't wanna see Him, bro the King is the man
He's the man of war, a beast on the battlefield
Obliteratin' all the evil forces that are killed
What you seen, death? Oh you don't got it, bro
Where's your victory? Oh you've been swallowed whole
And when He's back ain't no fightin' Jehovah
He'll toss you in a lake of burnin' fire and sulphur
He's a titan, a soldier
He'll wipe away our tears, and our fears, and all our pain and death will be over
This is war
On sin and death
The dark will take
It's final breath
When life and death go to battle, ain't no tellin' what'll happen
When life and death go to battle, ain't no tellin' what'll happen
When life and death go to battle, ain't no tellin' what'll happen
It's war tonight, it's death and life
This is war
Like you ain't seen
This winter's long
It's cold and mean
When life and death go to battle, ain't no tellin' what'll happen
When life and death go to battle, ain't no tellin' what'll happen
When life and death go to battle, ain't no tellin' what'll happen
It's war tonight, it's death and life
This the kind of war you ain't never seen ever
Soldiers gettin' ragged, homie, heads gettin' severed
Death toll's crazy like nothin' on record
Civilians ain't safe, man, the troops might get ya
Can't run or hide, 'cause them guys gon' catch ya
They never get tired, never let up
They're fired up, wired up, to put you on a stretcher
But is the good side tough enough? You bet yah
Yeah you got bad guys, you know they a problem
Tryna overthrow the King, yep that's what we call Him
No life fulla dark knights, no Gotham
This ain't fake death, no possum, can't anybody stop 'em?
Tombstones everywhere, dead bodies rottin'
Big glocks poppin', bodies still droppin'
But I ain't gon' cry though, 'cause Death'll get swallowed
The Father sent His Son and the troops gon' follow
This is war
Like you ain't seen
This winter's long
It's cold and mean
When life and death go to battle, ain't no tellin' what'll happen
When life and death go to battle, ain't no tellin' what'll happen
When life and death go to battle, ain't no tellin' what'll happen
It's war tonight, it's death and life
The Son came down to the wasteland we in
A death-filled mess, He'll win, no leavin'
No rest til Death's killed, the fight ain't even
And death won't be left still breathin' (get'm)
The Son's on the frontline crossin' their borders
Invadin' enemy land, but they can't thwart Him
A good troop will graze him, and they ain't even force him
But God use that sin to support Him
They capture the King, next thing they shots rang out
General is down, the troops are like "We out"
The life-giver dies, and the other side celebrates
But they ain't know that hell is fate, the devil faced
They never say, if he's the beast who's the featherweight
Just when they thought they took Him down, He would elevate
Death can never take pride in that blow
'Cause the King beat death when He died and He rose
This is war
Like you ain't seen
This winter's long
It's cold and mean
When life and death go to battle, ain't no tellin' what'll happen
When life and death go to battle, ain't no tellin' what'll happen
When life and death go to battle, ain't no tellin' what'll happen
It's war tonight, it's death and life
It really might seem like the war's still goin'
People still dyin', sin is still potent
The devil's still temptin', and evil ain't slowin'
Just wait until that trumpet gets blowin'
The general is comin' with keys in His hands
The death and Hades they'll freeze where they stand
To see they've been defeated, please understand
If they don't wanna see Him, bro the King is the man
He's the man of war, a beast on the battlefield
Obliteratin' all the evil forces that are killed
What you seen, death? Oh you don't got it, bro
Where's your victory? Oh you've been swallowed whole
And when He's back ain't no fightin' Jehovah
He'll toss you in a lake of burnin' fire and sulphur
He's a titan, a soldier
He'll wipe away our tears, and our fears, and all our pain and death will be over
This is war
On sin and death
The dark will take
It's final breath
When life and death go to battle, ain't no tellin' what'll happen
When life and death go to battle, ain't no tellin' what'll happen
When life and death go to battle, ain't no tellin' what'll happen
It's war tonight, it's death and life
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Repost | "A Sweet & Bitter Providence" by John Piper
Why does God allow the righteous suffer? Perhaps no other question has been asked more than that one. John Piper in his newest book, "A Sweet & Bitter Providence: Sex, Race, and the Sovereignty of God" seeks to provide an answer to that question. As the title suggests, in moments of despair, we must turn to God's Sovereign Providence. Despite what we want to be true, God's Providence is both sweet and bitter. At times we rejoice in God's providence, while at other times we suffer in bitter despair.Piper looks at the story of Ruth, verse-by-verse, as an example of sweet and bitter providence. Ruth and Naomi was in a dire situation. Husbands and sons had died. They were alone. They were in dire poverty. And it seemed that God's providence had turned against them. But that is only the beginning.
Piper walks the reader through this fascinating, yet neglected, story with incredible insight. I have never read a better book on Ruth or on Providence than this. Piper reminds us the unique advantage we have as readers: we can skip to the end. As we read Ruth, we know what happens in the end. Marriage, a son, a king, and a Messiah. But Ruth and Naomi remained ignorant of these things until they happened. What we see is God's providence, what they experienced was God's providence. The issue is one of perspective. Let us not forget that though we suffer, God is sovereign and good, He is provident and is working all things for His glory. Let us have a more correct perspective.
This is a fascinating book that is timely. In an age of economic turmoil, terrorist attacks, deaths, and scandals, we need to be reminded of God's providence. Piper is known for his firm belief in the sovereignty of God and Piper shows how practical such a doctrine is. It gives us comfort in the midst of bitter despair and gives us joy in the midst of wondrous sweetness.
I read this book through a audio download attained at christianaudio.com. Audio books have allowed me to use my time at my desk or in my car more wisely. The reader is Grover Gardner who has read several books in his career and has one of the best voices I have heard in the industry. I therefore recommend both the print and the audio version of this book.
This is a message we all need to hear, especially as Christians. Ruth is more than about widows, marriage, and a baby. Its about God, His providence, Jesus Christ, and the gospel. Piper shows us how.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
March 11, 2012 | Matthew 16:1-12 - 20/20 Spiritual Blindness
1 The Pharisees and Sadducees came up, and testing Jesus, they asked Him to show them a sign from heaven. 2 But He replied to them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’ 3 And in the morning, ‘There will be a storm today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Do you know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but cannot discern the signs of the times? 4 An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign; and a sign will not be given it, except the sign of Jonah.” And He left them and went away.
5 And the disciples came to the other side of the sea, but they had forgotten to bring any bread. 6 And Jesus said to them, “Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 7 They began to discuss this among themselves, saying, “He said that because we did not bring any bread.” 8 But Jesus, aware of this, said, “You men of little faith, why do you discuss among yourselves that you have no bread? 9 Do you not yet understand or remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets full you picked up? 10 Or the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many large baskets full you picked up? 11 How is it that you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread? But beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 12 Then they understood that He did not say to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
Notes
Audio unavailable
For more:
Sermon - January 1, 2012 | Matthew 13:1-23 - Like Soil: The Kingdom, the Gospel, the Church, & You
Sermon - January 8, 2012 | Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 - Like Wheat & Weeds: The Kingdom, the Gospel, the Church, & You
Sermon - January 15, 2012 | Matthew 13:31-35 - Like Mustard Seeds & Leaven: The Kingdom, the Gospel, the Church, & You
Sermon - January 22, 2012 | Matthew 13:44-46 - Like Treasure: The Kingdom, the Gospel, the Church, & You
Sermon - January 29, 2012 | Matthew 13:47-58 - Like a Net: The Kingdom, The Gospel, the Church, & You
Sermon - February 5, 2012 | Matthew 14:1-12 - Off With His Head: When the Gospel Infiltrates the Kingdom of Man
Sermon - February 12, 2012 | Matthew 14:13-36 - More Than a Hint: Jesus is the Son of God & Why That Matters
Sermon - February 19, 2012 | Matthew 15:21-28 - Desperado, Don't Come to Your Senses
Sermon - March 4, 2012 | Matthew 16:29-39: Location. Location. Location.
GBC - This is Who We Are: What a Baptist Is and Believes - The Kingdom
GBC - Matthew Thus Far: Matthew 1-5
GBC - The Sermon on the Mount Series
GBC - Matthew 8-12 - The King Has Come: The Gospel According to Matthew Series
GBC - The Last Week of Jesus: From Triumphal Entry to Triumphal Grave Series
5 And the disciples came to the other side of the sea, but they had forgotten to bring any bread. 6 And Jesus said to them, “Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 7 They began to discuss this among themselves, saying, “He said that because we did not bring any bread.” 8 But Jesus, aware of this, said, “You men of little faith, why do you discuss among yourselves that you have no bread? 9 Do you not yet understand or remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets full you picked up? 10 Or the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many large baskets full you picked up? 11 How is it that you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread? But beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 12 Then they understood that He did not say to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
Notes
Audio unavailable
For more:
Sermon - January 1, 2012 | Matthew 13:1-23 - Like Soil: The Kingdom, the Gospel, the Church, & You
Sermon - January 8, 2012 | Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 - Like Wheat & Weeds: The Kingdom, the Gospel, the Church, & You
Sermon - January 15, 2012 | Matthew 13:31-35 - Like Mustard Seeds & Leaven: The Kingdom, the Gospel, the Church, & You
Sermon - January 22, 2012 | Matthew 13:44-46 - Like Treasure: The Kingdom, the Gospel, the Church, & You
Sermon - January 29, 2012 | Matthew 13:47-58 - Like a Net: The Kingdom, The Gospel, the Church, & You
Sermon - February 5, 2012 | Matthew 14:1-12 - Off With His Head: When the Gospel Infiltrates the Kingdom of Man
Sermon - February 12, 2012 | Matthew 14:13-36 - More Than a Hint: Jesus is the Son of God & Why That Matters
Sermon - February 19, 2012 | Matthew 15:21-28 - Desperado, Don't Come to Your Senses
Sermon - March 4, 2012 | Matthew 16:29-39: Location. Location. Location.
GBC - This is Who We Are: What a Baptist Is and Believes - The Kingdom
GBC - Matthew Thus Far: Matthew 1-5
GBC - The Sermon on the Mount Series
GBC - Matthew 8-12 - The King Has Come: The Gospel According to Matthew Series
GBC - The Last Week of Jesus: From Triumphal Entry to Triumphal Grave Series
Monday, April 2, 2012
March 4, 2012 | Matthew 16:29-39: Location. Location. Location.
29 Departing from there, Jesus went along by the Sea of Galilee, and having gone up on the mountain, He was sitting there. 30 And large crowds came to Him, bringing with them those who were lame, crippled, blind, mute, and many others, and they laid them down at His feet; and He healed them. 31 So the crowd marveled as they saw the mute speaking, the crippled restored, and the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel.
32 And Jesus called His disciples to Him, and said, “I feel compassion for the people, because they have remained with Me now three days and have nothing to eat; and I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on the way.” 33 The disciples *said to Him, “Where would we get so many loaves in this desolate place to satisfy such a large crowd?” 34 And Jesus *said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” And they said, “Seven, and a few small fish.” 35 And He directed the people to sit down on the ground; 36 and He took the seven loaves and the fish; and giving thanks, He broke them and started giving them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 37 And they all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up what was left over of the broken pieces, seven large baskets full. 38 And those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children. 39 And sending away the crowds, Jesus got into the boat and came to the region of Magadan.
Audio
Notes
For more:
Sermon - January 1, 2012 | Matthew 13:1-23 - Like Soil: The Kingdom, the Gospel, the Church, & You
Sermon - January 8, 2012 | Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 - Like Wheat & Weeds: The Kingdom, the Gospel, the Church, & You
Sermon - January 15, 2012 | Matthew 13:31-35 - Like Mustard Seeds & Leaven: The Kingdom, the Gospel, the Church, & You
Sermon - January 22, 2012 | Matthew 13:44-46 - Like Treasure: The Kingdom, the Gospel, the Church, & You
Sermon - January 29, 2012 | Matthew 13:47-58 - Like a Net: The Kingdom, The Gospel, the Church, & You
Sermon - February 5, 2012 | Matthew 14:1-12 - Off With His Head: When the Gospel Infiltrates the Kingdom of Man
Sermon - February 12, 2012 | Matthew 14:13-36 - More Than a Hint: Jesus is the Son of God & Why That Matters
Sermon - Matthew 15:21-28 - Desperado, Don't Come to Your Senses
GBC - This is Who We Are: What a Baptist Is and Believes - The Kingdom
GBC - Matthew Thus Far: Matthew 1-5
GBC - The Sermon on the Mount Series
GBC - Matthew 8-12 - The King Has Come: The Gospel According to Matthew Series
GBC - The Last Week of Jesus: From Triumphal Entry to Triumphal Grave Series
32 And Jesus called His disciples to Him, and said, “I feel compassion for the people, because they have remained with Me now three days and have nothing to eat; and I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on the way.” 33 The disciples *said to Him, “Where would we get so many loaves in this desolate place to satisfy such a large crowd?” 34 And Jesus *said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” And they said, “Seven, and a few small fish.” 35 And He directed the people to sit down on the ground; 36 and He took the seven loaves and the fish; and giving thanks, He broke them and started giving them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 37 And they all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up what was left over of the broken pieces, seven large baskets full. 38 And those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children. 39 And sending away the crowds, Jesus got into the boat and came to the region of Magadan.
Audio
Notes
For more:
Sermon - January 1, 2012 | Matthew 13:1-23 - Like Soil: The Kingdom, the Gospel, the Church, & You
Sermon - January 8, 2012 | Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 - Like Wheat & Weeds: The Kingdom, the Gospel, the Church, & You
Sermon - January 15, 2012 | Matthew 13:31-35 - Like Mustard Seeds & Leaven: The Kingdom, the Gospel, the Church, & You
Sermon - January 22, 2012 | Matthew 13:44-46 - Like Treasure: The Kingdom, the Gospel, the Church, & You
Sermon - January 29, 2012 | Matthew 13:47-58 - Like a Net: The Kingdom, The Gospel, the Church, & You
Sermon - February 5, 2012 | Matthew 14:1-12 - Off With His Head: When the Gospel Infiltrates the Kingdom of Man
Sermon - February 12, 2012 | Matthew 14:13-36 - More Than a Hint: Jesus is the Son of God & Why That Matters
Sermon - Matthew 15:21-28 - Desperado, Don't Come to Your Senses
GBC - This is Who We Are: What a Baptist Is and Believes - The Kingdom
GBC - Matthew Thus Far: Matthew 1-5
GBC - The Sermon on the Mount Series
GBC - Matthew 8-12 - The King Has Come: The Gospel According to Matthew Series
GBC - The Last Week of Jesus: From Triumphal Entry to Triumphal Grave Series
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